Microsoft Lync for Mac Hits RTM

Microsoft Lync for Mac 2011 was released to manufacturing last week. It's expected to be generally available sometime in October.

Formerly known as Microsoft Office Communicator, Lync for Mac 2011 will be bundled with Office for Mac 2011 Volume Licensing SKU, Office for Mac Standard 2011 and other licensing options.

"Starting in October, our Mac customers will be able to experience the integrated communications experience that Lync has become well known for," Microsoft said in a TechNet blog entry. "From the updated contact cards to the ability to set up Lync conferences from Outlook 2011 for Mac to enterprise voice features, Lync for Mac 2011 offers Mac users integrated functionality for presence, instant messaging, conferencing and voice and is designed to work with both Lync Server 2010 and Lync Online."

Previously released in December of last year for PCs, Microsoft Lync is designed to work in tandem with Lync Server 2011 and Lync Online, the latter being a feature included in Microsoft's Office 365.

The client, along with either the server or online component, will allow for cross-communication between PC and Mac users. However Microsoft has stated that some cross-platform actions, such as voice communications, will not work for Lync Online users.